Severn Arts in partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity and funding from Arts Council England (ACE) recently commissioned an artwork for a large wall within the outdoor space of the new Urgent and Emergency Care development at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The selected artist Emily Kaye worked with clinical and non-clinical NHS staff, representatives from NHS staff networks and members of the patient forum to co-create a design to inspire and engage both staff and patients.

The artists brief required that the artwork should reflect and celebrate the creativity and people of local communities and be a memorable experience for staff, patients and visitors, bringing local people together positively. In particular the artwork should reflects untold stories and embeds the cultural landscape of Worcestershire. 

The importance of enhancing the clinical environment

Coming into an Emergency Department can be a frightening and stressful experience, however caring the staff are. The look and feel of the department can make a real difference for the better to our patients’ experience.

By creating a calming and attractive space patients will feel less anxious, more cooperative and better able to engage in their ongoing care. These small improvements can make a huge difference to a patient’s outcome. 

The B-Internship Scheme contribution 

The B-Internship Scheme offers University of Birmingham (UoB) students and graduates paid opportunities to engage in impactful knowledge exchanges and develop professional skills with local organisations. This project was supported by Severn Arts Intern and UoB graduate Maya Biddulph.

Elaine Knight, Arts Director at Severn Arts said: "The B-Internship Scheme is a great way for students to gain valuable experience of the workplace and for organisations to have input from recent graduates bringing a fresh pair of eyes to projects.  I have been so impressed with Mayas ability to adapt very quickly to the complexities within this project."

The completed mural was unveiled on Friday 6 October 2023.